day one

In light of the upcoming holiday season, I'd like to share a few thoughts on gratitude. What does gratitude mean to you? I know for me, it means counting my blessings every single day. Noticing the small, subtle things in life and continually keeping myself aware of the needs of others. 

One of the keys to a successful life is learning to focus less on what we want and more on being grateful for what we already have. When we are grateful, we invite happiness to come into our lives immediately. 

The beauty of being grateful, for me personally, is knowing I am in control of whether I decide to have a grateful attitude or not. Being grateful is a choice and brings additional blessings to my life.

A few months ago, Joe and I had the unique opportunity to take our older two kids to Costa Rica for an adventure and cultural experience. Our eyes were opened to a whole new world. A world in which we weren't entirely prepared for. 

I think I learned more in this one trip than I've learned in the past 10 years. It was such a beautiful reminder of how blessed we are and the endless opportunities we have to serve others. 

I decided to keep a journal and document each day of our trip.  This may be totally boring for most, so feel free to call it a day, but for me, it's important to remember every small detail.  

Friday August 31 
Day 1

Packing for a trip like this is merely impossible because of the unknown. The anxiety is killing me and my brain feels like mush from over thinking every last detail. Should I be worried about bugs, sleeping arrangements, sickness, pollution, water conditions, diseases, locals, etc... and on and on? I know I don't sound very excited, but I am?!  I just need to get there and then everything will be fine. We sprayed our clothes with a special bug repellent spray before leaving. Apparently it keeps away the chiggers and other unwanted creepy crawlies. 

Max picked us up at 6 am and drove us to the SL airport. We sat and sat while our flight kept getting delayed. After four grueling hours, we luckily found a flight on another airline, but separate from our group. Should I be concerned that our trip is already starting out so rocky? Hmmm! We're FINALLY heading out of dodge and can officially start this adventure. You can see the nervous, somewhat fake excitement in my smile. 

We spent most of the day sitting on planes, catching flights, scrambling through airports,  having 30 minutes to catch the next flight from Dallas to San Jose. We finally arrive in San Jose at 7:15pm.... ahhh....we're here!  Once we pass through customs and immigration, it is wonderful to see a familiar face. Andrew Taylor, with Pure Life Expeditions is our guide for the next 10 days and ready to lead the way. We're putting our trust and confidence in him. I sure hope he can keep us safe. (insert nervous smile here)

Andrew navigates the four of us and our six GINORMOUS bags through the busy airport and safely places us in the hands of his trusted driver, who promptly takes us to our next destination. Andrew stays back and waits for the rest of our group to arrive. Our hotel is situated near the entrance of San Jose. The Bed and Breakfast seems fine. It's super old and looks similar to the cheap motels directly adjacent from Disney Land. (you know the ones I'm talking about?) We were told It was formerly occupied by a past president. Seriously?

We settle in and then head across the street for dinner. I was surprised to see so many American food chains lining the dimly lit streets. We decide to try Pizza Hut, although I was excited to try something a little more authentic. We order individual pan pizzas and Spaghetti. It's nothing like Pizza Hut in America, but when you're starving, pretty much anything tastes good.  I can't believe how many people are out walking around!  We walk back to the hotel just as our group arrives and sit down to discuss our plans for the upcoming days. I am still a little nervous that we are unprepared for this trip, but there's no turning back now.  Andrew told us to pack everything in ziplock bags because it rains as though ten shower heads are pouring down on you at all times. 

We snack on fresh pineapple, mango and this funny looking fruit called momone chino. It is bright pinkish red with spikes. It's hard to open, but if you dig your thumb into it, you can pry it open and suck the fruit, then spit out the seed. LOVED IT!!!  Time for bed. Big day tomorrow. 

Wishing my days away...

It's been quite some time since I've updated this blog, but luckily that's the beauty of blogging eh?  I can leave it all behind for months on end and then POOF! ....Simply pick up where I left off and keep truckin'. The whole journal thing is important to me and I don't scrapbook, so this is it for us. My cute friend Heather convinced me to start blogging again and I'm so glad I listened to her. It was just the push I needed to recommit myself and jumpstart the ol' engine once again.

I have to start by saying, I hate wishing my days away, but I can't tell you how happy I am that HALLOWEEN IS OVER!!!! I was totally disenchanted by the amount of WORK that goes into parties and costumes and food prep and school/church functions and MESSES EVERYWHERE!!!!  Hopefully my kids loved it, because ultimately, that's what matters right? Maybe? I know I need an attitude adjustment, but enough already! Sheesh!

Anyway...

I have a bunch of pictures that need to be posted, so hopefully I can start fresh and add a few oldies-but-goodies here and there along the way.


Chan's photoshop picture was chosen to be in the High school newspaper. 

Asher's 4th Birthday party. Ash and Rom. Best buddies!!!! 

 Cute boy

 I wonder what he's so intently wishing for....?!?!

 Love this Berkley girl

 We had a surprise visit from CC and Dave. They are so stinkin' cute!!!

Trip to Tucson for National Championships. Joe's tennis team took 2nd in the NATION!!!! So very proud of them.

 Fall hikes with my girlfriends. 

 One of my absolute favorite activities. Hiking with my girls.

 Berks, Rach and Han. Advanced dance. Berkley is the President. 

Mason and I spent the day at BIZ TOWN with the 5th graders. Such a fun (and EXHAUSTING) field trip.

 Bryn and her lil' dance friends. She may be a little OVER STIMULATED!!!! 

 Chan asking Brooke to Homecoming.

Front row seats to WICKED at Capitol Theatre. Such a fun family night. Even Brynerz LOVED every minute of it. 

 July Birthdays with the fam. Cute Ju Ju, Max and Chan. Chan turned 18.... YIKES!!!!

 Bryn LOVES dance!

 Mommy/daughter lunch dates. My fave!

 Mason and Jeff making duck tape wallets. Cutest friends.

 Birthday celebration with Corrinne!

 My lil' Zombie girlfriend. Flash Mob at Gardener Village for Halloween. 

 Berks and Bryn performed a half time dance number at the Brighton Football game. 

 Feeding the homeless at the Family Road-home downtown. Humbling and eye-opening.

Berkley's project for Young Women in Excellence. Sewing baby blankets for the Road-home. 

 Chandler answering his date to MORP.

 Next generation of DANCERS...

 Summer work party. Yes... THAT'S BRYNERZ!!!! 

Special moments with my girlfriend... PRICELESS!

 Berkley's advanced dance party at The Dance Project. 

Costa Rica trip with Joe, Chan, Berks,  Larson's and Momberger's. BEST TRIP EVER!!! More about our trip later...

Chan and Brooke at Homecoming.

Hanging out with my boy in Costa Rica!

Cute BROTHERS...

MORP 

Jer and Ash. Cutest boys in AMERICA!!!! Happy Birthday Jer Jer!!! Love you!!!

How sad to condense the last 5 months into one measly post, but at least it's documented. Happy November. I'm loving this weather. Beautiful! 

New Beginnings 2012-2013

I can't believe back-to-school is finally here. I love new beginnings. A fresh start. A renewal of the mind and spirit. A clean slate. 

I've realized the past few years my kids require more stability and structure the older they get. I know they wouldn't admit it, but they CRAVE schedules, school, home work, earlier bedtime and waking up before the sun. Summer was getting just a bit too relaxed even for me. SHOCKER!!! As much as I love having them around... 

THE TIME HAS COME! 

So... they left this morning with anxious smiles, ready to tackle a new school year. 

Here's a look back at the beginning of summer vs. today. Have they changed much? Maybe a little? 

CHAN

Senior year * Brighton High School

Varsity lacrosse

Zupas employee

Guitar and piano player

AP classes

Socialite 

Driver

18 year old

Best hugger ever

        Beginning of summer                                                             Back to school 

BERKlES

8th grader * Butler Middle

President of advanced dance

Honors classes

Dancer

last year of braces : )

Responsible

Planner

Socialite

Teenager

     Beginning of Summer                         Back to school 

MASER

5th grader * Butler

Tennis player

Basketball 

Guitar

Noticing girls

Mind craft

Baby sitter

Smart

Big heart

Socialite

       Beginning of summer                       Back to school 

BRYNERZ

2nd grader * Butler

French immersion

Dancer

Friendly

Boy CrAzY!!!

Animal lover

Creative

Artist

Socialite

Always my baby

   Beginning of summer                          Back to school 

        Lets do this!

Chess anyone?

I had to take a few pictures and show off this brand spankin' new chess set. Our sweet elderly neighbor hand crafted it using only his left hand. It took him no less than 100 hours to construct.

He also constructed every single checker piece by hand. The detail is pretty amazing. 

Joe and the kids have become chess junkies. They LOVE it!!!!

I can't think of a better Sunday activity. 


I am very touched and thankful for his generous act of kindness! We love him!